Merlot- Why Such a Bad Rap?

Merlot- Why Such a Bad Rap? – Episode #171

January 22, 2007

Wines tasted in this episode:

Sideways has had an impact on the Merlot wine market, today Gary tastes the 4 top selling Merlot in the shop for the month of January.

151 Responses

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January 22, 2007

joe
Gary – Chateau Cheval Blanc, 1961, was produced with only 12% merlot in its final blend – it always majority Cab Franc.

Jw (post 66). Matanzas Creek used to be prime merlot juice – now totally downhill after big corp bought it in late 90’s. The ‘99 you should DRINK NOW. MC was already going downhill then. My ’97’s are now over-the-hill and it was produced at peak of their quality.

QOTD: don’t buy much merlot anymore. Currently drinking through cases of ‘97 Pride and ‘95 Chateau Clos de L’Eglise in my cellar.
January 22, 2007

Matt B DC
Well, I counted it out because it was bothering me. It looks like the countdown is to August 18th; my fiancee’s is the 17th. No other major events around that time which I know of . . .
January 22, 2007

Burton
Last year I drank a case each of Alexander Valley Vineyards($12) and Swanson ($20). Both merlots were special offerings from my local store. Although these were offered at discount prices, both wineries produce wonderful wines consistintly. Also love Vine Cliff and Twomey although I don’t drink “often”.
January 22, 2007

BigMC
QOTD-02 Pride Mountain Top Merlot and 03 Corte Riva. They are amazing if you like the flavor profile of Cali mountain fruit. BTW Romel Rivera, the wine maker for Corte Riva is also the asst. winemaker to Bob Foley of Pride Mtn.

Have a great vacation. Thanks for throwin in an episode for the nation.
January 22, 2007

Ryan
Gary,
You need to forget about California Merlot. Work your way up the coast to Washington. Get your hands on Boudreaux. An amazing merlot for about $35. For a cheaper Merlot check out Kiona. A Red Mountain winery that makes a killer Cab/Merlot blend for $9 and a good Merlot for about $18.
January 22, 2007

Dominus
And as we all know, the greatest Merlot was created by my avatar, Christian Moueix of Chat Petrus and Dominus fame.
January 22, 2007

Dominus
That was almost as intense as the final 2 mins of the Colts game last night waiting to hear what gary had to say about the largest selling Merlot in the world, Blackstone. I appreciater your candor and palate as I, too, despise Blackstone Merlot. It is sooo bad but again, it’s a matter of taste and that bottle of wine (to me) is appalling. Thank you Gary. Whew!

QOTD: Now, what Merlot have I beem drinking? Well, after your review of Corte Riva, I had to try and yes, it is one great Merlot. I have yet to try the Paloma but am willing to buy some if I can find it. Let’s see, any other Merlots? Oh oh, a cheapo called Redwood Creek is drinkable and not too bad but give me the Corte.

Get some rest Gary but thanks for the show. It was great.

Dom
January 22, 2007

JonE
Thanks G-Man. Happy happy monday.

QOTD: I totally agree with KAHUNA, Hahn Merlot is a steal. Plus if you can still find some of the 01′ de Trafford Merlot from S.Africa it is very nice for that new worldy vegetal thing if your into that. Merlot seems to be getting better in the lower price range, but I still prefer something on the level of Whitehall Lane. Which is definitely not an everyday drinker for me. Oh well I’ll be rich some day.
January 22, 2007

IntoTheFray
QOTD: Charles Creek Merlot Miradero 2002

Nothing too special about it but it’s a very nice drinking wine that you recommended.
January 22, 2007

John Blue Label
What a mensch! Even on vacation, he gives us words of wisdom (thank goodness for videotape!)
QOTD: Not a merlot guy, but have a bottle of 1999 Matanzas Creek which I have been told to save for a special occassion. It was a gift. Anyone know anything about this wine?

JW
January 22, 2007

QPR Kevin
QOTD: Anything from Fronsac in Bordeaux.
January 22, 2007

tony d
Gary, some good value Merlot’s I have had are Coppola and Rutherford Hill.
January 22, 2007

orion9
Sorry for posting twice, but has anyone had a Beringer Bancroft Ranch Merlot? According to “The Wine Bible” this is supposed to be a great one.
January 22, 2007

Brookhouser
Pre recording….GREAT….GO COLTS….Brady fell a little short under the clutch….shall we compare that showing to the Merlots in the episode….wait I guess if we compared they would have to come off strong in the start, but they just laid down flat in the tasting…its ashame…there has to be some good ones out there….I say Merlot round 2

What Does the 219 stand for in the top corner of the white board

QOTD- Hogue Genesis 2002
Gordon Brothers family vineyard 2002
Both around $20
January 22, 2007

Tony S.
Hey Gary! I missed you all last week, so I’ll try and play catch up this week, but I’ll probably end up running out of time. Anyway, I’m glad you threw a bone to Merlot. It’s silly what a movie can do. Although, I’m personally not a big merlot fan, I’ve had some Pomerols that have been fantastic as well as other California/Washington versions. But I once had a 97 Masseto at a dinner (I didn’t bring the wine) and man….that was superb. I mean, blow you away suberb. There will never be another merlot like that, except (I imagine) a Petrus.

One quick beef I have with this episode. Yes it’s all about the wine, but you are the self-proclaimed biggest Jets fan in New Jersey, possibly all of the US. I take that to mean that you are a fan of NFL football–no congrats for the Bears or Colts!?!?!? First off, the Bears just simply are the best team of any sport. Secondly, I would imagine you’d be happy that the Colts beat your division rival Pats in the AFC Championship Game. Shoot, I’m happy they beat them simply cause my wife won’t stop talking about Tom Brady.

OK…well, GO BEARS!!! See you later. Enjoy that Cherry/Mustard-like Blackstone. By the way, good cheap Merlot is Bogle. Is it Bogle? Ya, I think so. I’ve had that a couple times and, although not blown away, quite satified.

See you later man.
T
January 22, 2007

Jeff (aka Opus None)
I’ve yet to have a Merlot that’s rocked my world. Some can be said for domestic PN. But I’ll keep lookin…
January 22, 2007

Wino
QOTD- Forgot to mention Franciscan Merlot. One of the better bargain ($12-$14) wines, tastes like it is twice as expensive.
January 22, 2007

KAHUNA
2002 Sebastiani Merlot at WL is amazing at $12.99
2004 Hahn Merlot Montery is also a rocking wine $9.99 or under

Did tasting notes on both in the forum- shocked no one has mentioned them
January 22, 2007

Marc Mc
I have purchased more Merlot in the last 6 months than the previous 6 years becasue of the Corte Riva, Love it.
January 22, 2007

David Canada
Nice one Gary…..
QOTD – My favorite Merlot a nice fruit bomb from St. Emillion called Chateau Pipeau. Nice wine at a god price point
January 22, 2007

Badger Ann
I generally don’t care for Merlot by itself, I like it in red blends. Last month however, I did have a Washington State Merlot called “14 Hands” which I did enjoy (approx. $11).
January 22, 2007

mikep
Gary, count me as a non-Merlot drinker, but I must say, I tasted one in your store last week that was a notch ot two above the average. Something I would even drink

It’s the 2002 Charles Creek Vineyard Merlot Miradero Sonoma County Napa Valley.

And you’re out of it! Nice Merlot.

Good job!

ps- we never did get together for that chat and drink.
January 22, 2007

CampingLisaB
Yes Gary…there is a cherry mustard…check out the website:
http://www.earthy.com/Cherry_Republic_Cherry_Mustard__9_oz_P625C76.cfm
January 22, 2007

Jonathon M Chicago
Go BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARS!
January 22, 2007

hinrgman
Gary,

Thanks for the episode.